EPISODES
HUMAN-TO-HUMAN SOLIDARITY - ‘In the Rearview / Skąd dokąd’ dir. Maciej Hamela
In the Rearview tells the story of the ongoing war in Ukraine through the eyes of van driver and filmmaker Maciej Hamela. Just days after Russia’s invasion, Hamela began delivering humanitarian aid and transporting people affected by the war from Ukraine to Poland. Many of those he helped became the subjects of his documentary, offering a powerful testimony to the early days of the conflict.
In this episode, we speak with Maciej Hamela about how the film has supported fundraising efforts for war victims, the ethical challenges of capturing footage in such circumstances, and balancing the demanding roles of director, producer, volunteer driver, logistics manager, and first point of contact for those in need. We also reflect on the emotional premiere of the film in Ukraine, the ongoing lives of the protagonists, and Hamela’s subsequent encounters with them.
COMMUNITY - ‘Polish Prayers / Prawy chłopak’, dir. Hanna Nobis
In her film, Hanna Nobis crafts a character of remarkable sensitivity and complexity. Antek, navigating a challenging and unexpected journey from right-wing conservatism to metropolitan liberalism, serves as a lens for examining the construction of personal values. The film delves into the factors shaping maturity, loyalty, and solidarity – towards friends, family, and ultimately oneself.
This episode also explores the collaboration between the filmmaker and her protagonist, focusing on the years-long process of building trust. Additionally, we discuss whether the director’s personal experiences influenced the development of the script or the emphasis on particular events within the narrative.
SISTERHOOD - ‘Angels of Sinjar / Anioły z Sindżaru’, dir. Hanna Polak
In this episode, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Hanna Polak discusses her latest work, the harrowing documentary Angels of Sinjar, which chronicles the Yazidi minority’s massacre by ISIS. Polak focuses on two central characters, Hanifa and Saeed, contrasting – in her own words – the female and male experiences of suffering, loss, and witnessing genocide.
Known for her long-term documentation process, often spanning over a decade, Polak shares insights into her working methods, the emotional challenges of filming deeply distressing scenes, and the moments when she decides to turn off the camera. The conversation also touches on the impact of the film on its protagonists’ lives and the role of documentary cinema in raising awareness within Western audiences about underreported tragedies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLIDARITY - ‘The Soil / Ziemia’, dir. Zuzanna Solakiewicz
As described in the film's promotional materials, The Soil is a feminist documentary musical that offers a fresh perspective on the lives of women in rural areas. In an interview with director Zuzanna Solakiewicz, we explore the continuity and relevance of tradition today, the so-called ‘folk turn’ in culture, and the therapeutic role of traditional song. We also delve into the everyday lives of women in the countryside, both past and present, and examine the social context surrounding them. Additionally, the director reflects on her personal experiences of living in the Polish countryside for many years.
The theme of solidarity emerges on multiple levels – not only as solidarity with the natural environment, preserved by past generations, but also as the creation of community, a sense of security rooted in tradition, and a way of structuring daily life around nature’s eternal rhythm. The discussion also highlights Ewa Grochowska, the film’s protagonist, a singer who serves as a guide to a world of traditions, extending far beyond the musical realm.
HISTORICAL SOLIDARITY - ‘Scarborn / Kos’ dir. Paweł Maślona
The award-winning and critically acclaimed Scarbon is the sole feature film of its kind featured in the Celluloid Solidarity podcast. Directed by Paweł Maślona, the narrative centres on Tadeusz Kościuszko on the eve of the uprising. However, the true protagonist is Ignacy, an illegitimate son of nobility, determined to prove his lineage and secure his rightful place in his father’s will.
In our conversation with Paweł Maślona, we explore the film’s origins, from its initial concept to production, and discuss how it deconstructs the pathos often found in historical films. We also delve into how contemporary global political events transform Scarbon, a Kościuszko-era western, into a reflection of present-day fears and tensions. Finally, we examine what a film rooted in Polish history and culture can offer to an international audience.